Neutering is good for cats at any age

Neutering is good for cats at any age - But consider other options to de-clawing felines

Q: I have a 3-year-old cat that was never neutered. Is he too old for this and to be declawed as well?

A: Neutering your pet at almost any age is likely to be beneficial to his health and longevity. In particular, older intact male cats who ?make mark,? or spray urine, in locations around the house create a difficult situation even for the most tolerant owner.

While some behavioral modification may be necessary, surgical neutering can reverse many of these inappropriate behaviors. The surgery and recovery are relatively easy, although a general anesthetic is required and appropriate pre-surgical care and a health evaluation is important.

Declawing surgery can be combined with neutering, but it is strongly suggested to consider alternatives to this procedure. For aggressive cats, frequent trimming and personality modifications may necessary to decrease the risk of harm to other pets or owners. If furniture damage is an issue, most cats can be effectively trained to use scratching posts.

In other situations, soft pliable caps can be glued to nails to minimize damage. Make sure you discuss these and other options with your veterinarian before declawing is performed.

Reference: www.qctimes.net

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